Hood assembly

ABSTRACT

A hood assembly is provided. The hood assembly includes an outer panel having an interior surface and a peripheral edge. The hood assembly further includes a frame mounted to the outer panel. The frame has a contoured section. The contoured section is spaced apart from the interior surface of the outer panel and adjacent a forward portion of the peripheral edge of the outer panel. The contoured section includes an opening disposed on the contoured section so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel from a top down load.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A hood assembly and a front end assembly is provided. Specially, the hood assembly includes an opening disposed on a contoured section of a frame so as to provide a predetermined deformation of the outer panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A hood assembly includes an outer panel and a frame mounted to an interior surface of the outer panel. The hood assembly may be part of a front end assembly of an automotive vehicle. In an automotive application, the hood assembly covers the engine compartment and is generally orthogonal to a grill. Currently, the frame includes a front portion which is configured to seat with a top surface of a front end assembly so as to reduce noise. Accordingly, the frame may include contoured sections which extend generally radially away from the interior surface of the outer panel. The contoured sections reinforce the outer panel. However, it remains desirable to provide the outer panel with a predetermined deformation from a top down load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a hood assembly having an outer panel configured to execute a predetermined deformation upon a top down load is provided. The outer panel has an interior surface and a peripheral edge. The hood assembly further includes a frame mounted to the interior surface of the outer panel. The frame includes a contoured section. The contoured section is spaced apart from the interior surface of the outer panel and adjacent the peripheral edge. The frame includes an opening disposed on the contoured section so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel from a top down load.

In another embodiment, a front end assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The front end assembly includes a grill and a hood assembly. The grill is disposed on a generally vertical plane. The grill includes a top surface and a top edge raised above a forward portion of the top surface. The hood assembly is generally orthogonal to the grill. The hood assembly includes an outer panel having an interior surface and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a forward portion. The forward portion is spaced apart from and opposite the top edge of the grill and is generally disposed above the top surface of the grill.

The hood assembly further includes a frame mounted to the interior surface of the outer panel. The frame includes at least one contoured section. The contoured section is spaced apart from the interior surface of the outer panel and adjacent the forward portion of the peripheral edge. The frame includes an opening disposed on each of the contoured sections so as to facilitate a predetermined deformation of the outer panel from a top down load.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement this description and in order to aid in a better understanding of the invention's characteristics, a set of illustrative and non-limiting drawings is included as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top down view of an illustrative embodiment of the hood assembly;

FIG. 2 is a view of an illustrative embodiment of the first surface of frame;

FIG. 3 is a view of the frame of FIG. 2 mounted to the outer panel;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second surface of the frame, showing the contoured section and the opening;

FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 4 showing the contoured section being deformed;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of a front end assembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7; and

FIG. 8 is a top down view of the hood assembly showing the outer panel deformed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein generally relate to hood assemblies and front end assemblies. In particular, the hood assembly includes an outer panel and a frame disposed on the interior surface of the outer panel. The frame has at least one contoured section. The contoured section includes an opening so as promote a predetermined deformation of the outer panel upon receipt of a top down load. As used herein, a top down load describes a load exerted onto the exterior surface of the outer panel which originates from a space above the outer panel. The top down load may be directly above the outer panel or may approach the outer panel at an angle, such as 50 degrees with respect to the ground.

The front end assembly may be mounted to the front of an automotive vehicle. The front end assembly includes a grill and a hood assembly having an outer panel configured to execute a predetermined deformation upon receipt of a top down load. Various embodiments of the hood assembly and the front end assembly and the operation of the hood assembly and the front end assembly will be described in more detail herein.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a top down view of the hood assembly 10 is provided. The hood assembly 10 includes an outer panel 12 and a frame 14. The outer panel 12 may be formed of a generally rigid and durable material such as steel, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that other material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or dry carbon may be used to construct the outer panel 12. The frame 14 may be fixed to the outer panel 12 using known fastening techniques such as spot welds, or a mastic adhesive applied at various locations between the frame 14 and outer panel 12.

The outer panel 12 includes an exterior surface 16, shown in FIG. 1, and an interior surface 18 opposite of the exterior surface 16. The outer panel 12 is generally rectangular in dimension and includes a peripheral edge 20. The peripheral edge 20 includes a forward edge portion 22, a pair of side portions 24 opposite of each other, and a rear portion 26. The midsection of the outer panel 12 may be raised relative to side portions 24. The forward edge portion 22 of the outer panel 12 may be bent away from the exterior surface 16.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 14 is mounted to interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12. The frame 14 may be formed of a generally rigid and durable material such as steel, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that other material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or dry carbon may be used to construct the frame 14. The frame 14 is configured to provide structural support to the outer panel 12.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame 14. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the first surface 15 a of the frame 14. The first surface 15 a is opposite a second surface 15 b. When mounted to the outer panel 12, the second surface 15 b faces the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12. FIG. 3 shows the frame 14 mounted to the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12. The first surface 15 a of the frame 14 is shown, and when mounted to an engine compartment (not shown), the first surface 15 a faces the engine compartment.

The frame 14 includes a front edge portion 28, a pair of frame side portions 30, and a back portion 32. The center of the frame 14 may include a plurality of cut outs 34, defining a first cross member 36 extending between the pair of frame side portions 30, and a plurality of second cross members 38, each spaced apart from each other, and each extending between the front edge portion 28 and the back portion 32.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a perspective view of the first surface 15 a of the frame 14 is provided. FIG. 4 shows the front edge portion 28 of the frame 14. The frame 14 includes a contoured section 40. The contoured section 40 is shown disposed adjacent the forward edge portion 22 of the frame 14. The contoured section 40 is spaced apart from the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12 and adjacent the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12. The contoured section 40 curves towards the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12.

The frame 14 includes an opening 42 disposed on the contoured section 40 so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel 12 from a top down load. Thus, the opening 42 provides weaker structural stability to the outer panel 12 which in turn promotes deformation of the outer panel 12 subjected to a top down load.

The contoured section 40 is shown disposed adjacent the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12. The contoured section 40 includes a wall 44. The wall 44 extends between a peripheral edge 20 and support portion 48 of the frame 14. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 14 includes a support portion 48 which is angled relative to the wall 44 and contiguous with the first cross member 36 and second cross members 38.

The wall 44 includes a generally planar surface portion 50 and contoured section 40 is contiguous to the planar surface portion 50. The contoured section 40 is dimensioned so as to curve towards the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12. A second flange portion 54 is disposed on the distal edge of the wall 44, and projects upwardly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 so as to be generally orthogonal to the wall 44.

The opening 42 is disposed on the contoured section 40. The opening 42 is adjacent the periphery of the frame 14. The opening 42 is illustratively shown as having a rectangular dimension. The opening 42 has a length as defined by the length of the wall 44 as measured by the axis extending between the opposite sides of the hood assembly 10, and a width as defined by the width of the wall 44 as measured by the axis extending between the forward edge portion 22 and rear portion 26 of the hood assembly 10. The length and width are referenced in FIGS. 4 and 5 as “L” and “W” respectively.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a hood assembly 10 is provided. A flange of the outer panel 12 may be folded over a distal edge of the frame 14 so as to define a hemming 46. For instance, the outer panel 12 includes a first flange portion 52. The first flange portion 52 is disposed on the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12. The first flange portion 52 may include an end wall 52 a and a lower wall 52 b. The end wall 52 a is generally orthogonal to the outer panel 12 and the lower wall 52 b extends orthogonally from a distal end of the end wall 52 b so as to form a u-shaped cross-section. The frame 14 includes a second flange portion 54. The second flange portion 54 of the frame 14 is seated within the u-shaped cross-section first flange portion 52 so as to define the hemming 46, as shown in FIG. 7. The contoured section 40 is contiguous with the hemming 46. The second flange portion 54 and the first flange portion 52 may be fixed to each other using a mastic adhesive.

The hood assembly 10 may include a plurality of contoured sections 40 which provide structural support for an opposing surface of the outer panel 12. The openings 42 may be formed on any such contoured section 40 for which it is desirable to weaken the opposing surface of the outer panel 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the hood assembly 10 includes two contoured sections 40, each of which are disposed on opposite ends of the wall 44. Each of the contoured sections 40 include an opening 42, shown generally as having a rectangular shape.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a front end assembly 100 is also provided. When mounted to an automotive vehicle 200, the front end assembly 100 forms the front of the automotive vehicle 200. The front end assembly 100 includes a grill 56 and the hood assembly 10 described above. The hood assembly 10 covers the engine compartment of the automotive vehicle 200.

The grill 56 is disposed at the front of the automotive vehicle 200 on a generally vertical plane. The grill 56 is generally orthogonal to the hood assembly 10. The grill 56 may be disposed forward of a radiator (not shown). An insulating layer (not shown) may be mounted on top of the radiator, and extend inwardly into the engine compartment so as to define a top surface 58 of the front end assembly 100 of the automotive vehicle 200. The grill 56 may further include a top edge 60 which is generally elevated relative to the top surface 58.

The front edge portion 28 of the frame 14 of the hood assembly 10 is configured to engage the top surface 58 of the front end assembly 100 of an automotive vehicle 200. The front edge portion 28 is configured to engage the top surface 58 so as to reduce noise caused by air flow. In addition having the front edge portion 28 engage the top surface 58 provides structural reinforcement between the front edge portion 28 of the hood assembly 10 and a hood lock (not shown) so as to reduce vibration between the hood assembly 10 and the hood lock when the vehicle 200 is in motion.

The hood assembly 10 includes an outer panel 12 and a frame 14. The outer panel 12 may be formed of a generally rigid and durable material such as steel, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that other material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or dry carbon may be used to construct the outer panel 12.

The frame 14 includes a contoured section 40. The contoured section 40 is shown disposed adjacent the forward edge portion 22 of the frame 14. The contoured section 40 is spaced apart from the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12 and adjacent the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12.

The frame 14 includes an opening 42 disposed on the contoured section 40 so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel 12 from a top down load. Thus, the opening 42 provides weaker structural stability to the outer panel 12 which in turn allows the outer panel 12 the ability to deform under a top down load.

The contoured section 40 is shown disposed adjacent the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12. The contoured section 40 includes a wall 44. The wall 44 extends between a peripheral edge 20 of the frame 14 and a frame 14 body. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 14 body includes a support portion 48 which is angled relative to the wall 44 and contiguous with the first cross member 36 and second cross members 38.

The wall 44 includes a generally planar surface portion 50 and an arcuate surface portion. The arcuate portion is dimensioned so as to curve towards from the interior surface 18 of the outer panel 12. The distal edge of the frame 14 may project upwardly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 so as to be generally orthogonal to the wall 44.

The opening 42 is disposed on the arcuate surface portion of the contoured section 40. The opening 42 is adjacent the periphery of the frame 14. The opening 42 is illustratively shown as having a rectangular dimension. The opening 42 has a length as defined by the length of the wall 44 as measured by the axis extending between the opposite sides of the hood assembly 10, and a width as defined by the width of the wall 44 as measured by the axis extending between the front edge portion and rear edge portion of the hood assembly 10.

A flange of the outer panel 12 may be folded over a distal edge of the frame 14 so as to define a hemming 46. For instance, the outer panel 12 includes a first flange portion 52. The first flange portion 52 is disposed on the peripheral edge 20 of the outer panel 12. The first flange portion 52 is generally coplanar with the outer panel 12. The frame 14 includes a second flange portion 54. The first flange portion 52 is folded over the second flange portion 54 of the frame 14 so as to define the hemming 46. The contoured section 40 is contiguous with the hemming 46.

The hood assembly 10 may include a plurality of contoured sections 40 which provide structural support for an opposing surface of the outer panel 12. The openings 42 may be formed on any such contoured section 40 for which it is desirable to weaken the opposing surface of the outer panel 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the hood assembly 10 includes two contoured sections 40, each of which are disposed on opposite ends of the wall 44. Each of the contoured sections 40 include an opening 42, shown generally as having a rectangular shape.

In operation, the contoured section 40 provides additional structural reinforcement to the portion of the outer panel 12 for which the contoured section 40 supports. The opening 42 weakens the structural support of the contoured section 40 thus softening the rigidity of the outer panel 12, allowing the outer panel 12 to exhibit a predetermined deformation upon a top down load. A desired deformation under certain top down load conditions may be achieved by tuning the size and dimension of the opening 42.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise then as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A front end assembly of an automotive vehicle comprising: a grill disposed on a generally vertical plane, the grill having a top edge; a hood assembly generally orthogonal to the grill, the hood assembly having an outer panel having an interior surface and a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge having a forward edge portion, the forward edge portion spaced apart from and opposite the top edge of the grill, the outer panel includes a first flange portion; a frame mounted to the outer panel, the frame having a second flange portion, the first flange portion is folded over a peripheral edge of the frame so as to define a hemming, the frame further including at least one contoured section, the contoured section spaced apart from the interior surface of the outer panel and adjacent forward edge portion of the peripheral edge, the contoured section contiguous with the hemming, contoured section includes a wall generally orthogonal to the second flange portion, the frame having an opening, the opening bound by a peripheral edge of the frame, the opening disposed on the contoured section so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel from a top down load.
 2. The front end assembly of claim 1 wherein the opening is generally rectangular in shape.
 3. The front end assembly of claim 2 wherein the contoured section is a pair of contoured sections, each of the pair of contoured sections is disposed on opposite sides of the frame and adjacent a forward edge portion of the outer panel, each of the pair of contoured sections having an opening. 